chemical weapons

In other news Tuesday, rebel forces were accused of launching a chemical attack in Northern Syria, but the rebels denied they fired any chemical weapons. Also, seven U.S. Marines were killed during a training exercise in Nevada after a mortar unexpectedly exploded. Continue reading →

In other news Tuesday, Russia seems to be resisting appeals made by the U.S. to apply pressure on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to resign. A Russian newspaper reported that Moscow officials are convinced Assad will not leave office voluntarily, no matter what kind of pressure is applied. Continue reading →

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held surprise talks with Russia’s foreign minister to discuss continued unrest in Syria. While Russia stated that no hard decisions were made, these discussions may be the first sign of unified diplomatic action to stop violence between rebels and government troops. Jeffrey Brown reports. Continue reading →

As time seems to be running out for President Assad’s government, how prepared is the Syrian opposition to take over? Jeffrey Brown talks to Fred Hof, former special adviser to Secretary of State Clinton, about the potential roles played by the U.N., the U.S. and Russia to end Syria’s war and inspire a transition of leadership. Continue reading →

As the Syrian civil war moves closer to government-controlled Damascus, fears among the international community have increased that President Assad may resort to chemical warfare. The Syrians’ stockpiles are known to be the largest in the world, mostly made up of sarin nerve gas, mustard gas and cyanide. Jeffrey Brown reports. Continue reading →

In Brussels, NATO members approved Turkey’s request for anti-missile systems to defend against Syrian shelling and rocket fire landing on the Turkish side of the countries’ shared border. Meanwhile, NATO repeated U.S. concerns over a rise in the Syrian government’s stockpiles of chemical weapons. Judy Woodruff reports. Continue reading →

In other news Monday, the United Nations announced plans to remove all non-essential staff from Syria as concerns grow over safety given that country’s civil war. Meanwhile, President Obama warned the Assad regime against crossing a "red line" of using its increased stockpiles of chemical weapons in the current conflict. Continue reading →

In other news Monday, President Obama warned President Bashar al-Assad that the U.S. is prepared to take military action should his regime use biological or chemical weapons to fight rebel opposition forces. Also, the wife of a disgraced Chinese politician received a suspended death sentence for murdering a British businessman. Continue reading →

President Bashar al-Assad’s regime and the Free Syrian Army battled for control over Syria’s two largest cities, Damascus and Aleppo. Independent Television News’ John Irvine and Alex Thomson report on the violence that continues between rebels and government troops. Continue reading →

Despite harsh condemnation from other members of the U.N. Security Council, China and Russia vetoed a resolution that would have pressured Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime to end violence against the uprising there. A Russian official said the measure would give Western countries leverage in overturning the government. Continue reading →